WIDESPREAD 'PLANT VANDALISM' PROMPTS PUBLIC CALL FOR 'GREEN TAX' IN URBAN AREAS

摘要

A new survey by Plant for Life shows that Britons want to increase their council tax contributions to fund the protection of their local parks and green spaces, rather than risk further vandalism and deterioration in these communal areas. The study, as part of the Plant for Life campaign to encourage smarter investment in plant life in the private and public sector, reveals that 53 percent would endorse an increase in their council tax to fund a higher investment in communal green spaces. Four in ten (42 percent) would be willing to pay up to 25 pounds a year and 8 percent would accept a surcharge of between 25 pounds and 50 pound a year. Little wonder the public is willing to help foot the bill, as three-quarters say they have witnessed some form of 'green vandalism' in their area. Common abuses include snapped tree saplings, trampled plant life, graffiti etched on tree trunks, trampled grassy areas and beheaded flowers. Other problems include dog mess, littering, fly tipping and abandoned cars. Such widespread disrespect of communal areas is blamed on a lack of respect for the environment and poor education on the importance of plant life and its benefits.